After a great day at the GPC Summer Open, broke my own record and set a new National one, took the top spot as probably my final comp as a Master II and got to referee a flight of Deadlifts. So I picked up a few gems to celebrate. Dubai Perfume Shop: Khadlaj island Dreams Hamifi Enjejab Samples: Reef 19 Reef Summer Amjal Rhythm of Oud Le Chameau Magical Moment Desert Chemist Warehouse: Stetson after shave Stetson Legend

This is Oriental Spicy / Woody Aromatic men’s release from Dubai‑based Khadlaj, launched in 2025 from their Special Edition line. No single perfumer is credited, which is typical for the ME houses. I went in expecting a decent budget clone, but it surprised me: it’s smooth & balanced, sitting somewhere between fresh office wear & subtle evening presence without ever feeling generic or cheap. The closest fragrance I can compare it too is probably Bad Boy Cobalt, but this has its own cleaner, woodier identity that stands up on its own. The note progression is straightforward but well‑blended. Up top a bitter Grapefruit, pink pepper, lavender for a bright, zesty citrus that cuts through a soft spice kick, with lavender adding that clean aromatic edge so it never feels sharp or metallic. At the core, Cashmere wood, amber & cedarwood . This is where it settles into comfort; cashmere gives a soft, velvety warmth, amber adds resinous depth, while cedar keeps it structured and masculine. The Base has Moss, patchouli & musk for an earthy, grounded finish. The moss and patchouli stop it turning too sweet, while white musk wraps it in a skin‑close smoothness that lasts. It evolves slowly, no sudden shifts, just a gentle slide from fresh opening to woody‑earthy drydown. Performance is solid for the price: 6 hours on skin, with moderate‑strong projection for the first 2 hours then a soft, noticeable trail. I get a comfortable scent bubble that you can pick up without it being overpowering, and it holds even in mild heat. This wears really well, versatile enough for office, casual days, or cooler evenings; it leans fresh enough for spring/summer but has enough depth for autumn/winter. Compared to Bad Boy Cobalt, it’s less metallic and fruity, more woody and grounded; this is a reliable workhorse, great value if you want presence without spending big money. My Rating 6/10 Scent 2 Longevity 1.5 Sillage 1.5 Y/N 1